The Light
Durham's new £17m art, heritage and community venue at Aykley Heads, in the former Durham Light Infantry Museum, blending contemporary art with the story of the DLI.
About The Light
The Light opened in August 2026 as Durham's newest cultural venue, a £17m transformation of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery at Aykley Heads, which had stood closed for a decade. It brings together contemporary art, county heritage and community space under one roof, with a permanent exhibition telling the story of the DLI alongside changing exhibitions of major national and international artists. The inaugural programme has featured works by the likes of Tracey Emin, Olafur Eliasson, Dan Flavin and Chila Burman, and the venue sits in parkland on the northern edge of the city, a short distance from the railway station. Entry to the building and the permanent heritage displays is free, with charges for some special exhibitions, and there is a cafe and community-event space. It is worth checking the website for current exhibitions, ticketing and opening hours.
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Blog posts and guides that feature The Light.
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What's On
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